Hikers urged to be wary of conditions at Mount Pilchuck

GRANITE FALLS — A spate of rescues has authorities warning hikers about deceiving conditions on Mount Pilchuck.

Snohomish County Search &Rescue was called to the popular peak four times during the past seven days, sheriff’s spokeswoman Shari Ireton said Wednesday. Two hikers had serious injuries.

Conditions aren’t conducive to a simple day hike or for those who aren’t well-trained and -equipped, searchers said.

“A late spring meltout and heavy winter snow pack on the mountain has made the trail up Mount Pilchuck slippery and very hard to navigate,” search &rescue Sgt. Danny Wikstrom said in a press release.

All of the recent search missions occurred above the snowline. In three cases, the hikers were not dressed or equipped well for the conditions, he said.

The first rescue occurred June 8. It involved a woman on the west side of the mountain who had slipped on the snow and suffered a leg injury. She was flown out by helicopter.

On Sunday, a 19-year-old man fell through the snow and dislocated his shoulder. He was unable to move, rescuers reported. He, too, was flown out by helicopter where he was taken around 9 p.m. to the search and rescue base near Snohomish.

The same day, rescuers did a ground and air search for a missing hiker. They coudn’t find him. Several hours later, the man made it back to the trailhead on his own. He was cold and wet, but not injured.

On Monday, a 20-year-old woman became separated from her hiking partner. She called 911 around 6 p.m. She was located about 400 yards off-trail on a dangerous snow slope. Given the conditions and darkness, a ground team of rescuers reached her and escorted her to the trailhead just before midnight.

The woman was treated for mild hypothermia.

“She was extremely fortunate to have cellphone coverage in that area,” Ireton said.

The round trip to the top of Pilchuck is 5.4 miles, with the hike starting at an elevation of more than 3,000 feet.

In an online description of the hike, the Washington Trails Association urges people to plan for the conditions on Pilchuck.

“Don’t let Pilchuck’s popularity fool you …” reads a review of the hike. “Even with its heavy foot traffic and respectable grade, this peak should not be mistaken for a bunny hill. There are perilous elements, especially in winter, when snow may obscure the path, leading hikers to improvise and become lost. Hikers often have to be rescued from the mountain, so please take all the necessary precautions before tackling the trail.”

Pilchuck is one of several areas off the Mountain Loop Highway where hikers encounter trouble. Farther east, with a much easier trek, is the popular stroll to the Big Four Ice Caves. Four people have died inside or near the caves during the past 19 years, including a child who was well in front when a chunk of ice broke loose. Search &rescue crews practiced at the ice caves over the weekend, anticipating the potential for more tragedies.

Wikstrom listed several tips for hikers on Pilchuck. He said they should carry a map, compass and other essential equipment and stay on the trail. He urges people to turn around if they’re unsure where the trail is.

He also reminded hikers that cellphone coverage on Mount Pilchuck is spotty at best. Hikers should leave a plan behind with someone who can call 911 if they don’t return on time.

“Only hikers who have the training and equipment to traverse snow fields, who have extensive knowledge of the Mount Pilchuck trail, and who are prepared for changing conditions — and to spend the night — should even consider attempting the trail,” Wikstrom said.

Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446; stevick@heraldnet.com.